Pittsburgh Basketball: Analyzing the 2019 recruiting class for the Panthers

Outlook for 2019-20

Assuming everybody returns and the secure some final targets, the Pittsburgh Panthers are in great shape to finish up another solid recruiting class. In 2018 and with a shorter window, Capel secured the 32nd ranked class, according to 247Sports. Right now, his 2019 recruiting class is ranked 33rd on 247Sports.

With two scholarships spots left to fill, Capel has an opportunity to have an even better recruiting cycle than last year. He’ll need to do his best to finish the deal on a big man or two for 2019. They may have to play right away, but such is life in the ACC.

Sophomore Terrell Brown had a strong finish in ACC play, but they still need more on the defensive end. He started in 14 of the final 18 games for the Panthers and put up a career-high 16 points against Syracuse on Feb. 2. 6-foot-6 forward Au’Diese Toney should be able to play on the wing more with the arrival of Coulibaly next season. He had to play inside a lotw which caused some foul trouble for him.

Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens had their obstacles, but they fared well in Year 1 under Capel and should do more damage in 2019-20. If they can get more help in the frontcourt, they’ll do even more damage as each brings their own style to the floor.